57 research outputs found
Teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs in teaching learners with learning barriers in one mainstream secondary school in Soweto
No full textA research report submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education, to the Faculty of Humanities, Wits School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024Examining teachers' self-efficacy is crucial in the field of inclusive education. This concept plays a vital role as it directly influences how educators address the unique requirements of learners facing learning challenges. Despite its importance, there are significant gaps in research within the South African context regarding the obstacles teachers encounter when implementing inclusive education, particularly in relation to self-efficacy. The absence of thorough research could be a factor of the ongoing, valid worries in township high schools. Several research conducted globally demonstrate how self-efficacy attitudes regarding inclusive education influence teaching methods and could be advantageous to learners. The primary goal of this study was to find out about teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs in accommodating learners with learning difficulties in a mainstream township high school in Soweto. This research employed a qualitative method that worked with the interpretive research paradigm. The study's design was a case study. Using the purposive sampling method, the sample size of eight teachers from grades 8–12 at the chosen school was determined. For the eight participants, a semi-structured individual interview was used as the study tool. Thematic framework analysis was utilized to facilitate the examination of internal data. Additionally, the reliability of the qualitative data was guaranteed. The research findings revealed varying levels of self-efficacy among teachers in accommodating diverse learners in their classrooms. Educators with high self-efficacy demonstrated superior organizational skills and were more happily effective in teaching learners with learning disabilities despite the contextual challenges. Conversely, those with low self-efficacy perceived inclusive education as challenging due to the psychological and social hurdles faced by both teacher and learners in the school environment. Additionally, the study identified several strategies employed by teachers to support learners with disabilities, including differentiated instruction, scaffolding, and responsive teaching techniques. The study utilized certain strategies with the goal of incorporating students with learning challenges into regular classrooms. The research suggests that educators need to tackle serious hurdles affecting their own efficacy in teaching effectiveness. It further proposes that continuous professional development programs should be organized by the Education Department, focusing on better understanding and implementation of SIAS policy (Screening, Identification, Assessment, Support Provisioning and Monitoring).Whitmore Richards BursaryMMM202
Interactive Data Visualization In Accounting Contexts: Impact On User Attitudes, Information Processing, And Decision Outcomes
No full textIn 2009, The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a mandate requiring public companies to provide financial information to the SEC and on their corporate Web sites in an interactive data format using the eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL). This dissertation consists of three separate, but interrelated studies exploring issues related to interactive data visualization in financial reporting contexts. The first study employs theories in information systems (task-technology fit and the technology-performance chain model) and cognitive psychology (cognitive load) to examine the link between characteristics of interactive data visualization and task requirements in a financial analysis context, and the impact of that link on task performance and user attitudes towards interactive data technology use. The second study extends the first by examining the effects of prior interactive data technology use on future choice to use an interactive technology. This study uses the IS continuance model to examine antecedents to continued interactive technology use based on previous assessments of task-technology fit and performance impacts from the first study. The third study employs an elaboration likelihood model (ELM) to understand the interactivity concept and its impact on information processing and belief/attitude formation. This study examines the impact of increasing interactivity on investor perceptions of forecast credibility and on a firm’s attractiveness as a potential investment choice. Overall, these three studies provide insights on factors that impact decision-making in interactive financial reporting contexts, and how characteristics of interactive data visualization impact information processing, user perceptions, and task performanc
The Introduction of Generalist Education in Nursing (PFlBG) and the use of Social Media Campaign to Win People for this Profession at Paul Wilhelm von Keppler Foundation Senior Citizens' Centre Haus Raphael, Oberndorf am Neckar
No full textThe study investigated what is the generalist education in nursing, how Keppler-Stiftung Haus Raphael, Senior Citizens’ Centre will start the implementation of this training and how people can be well informed using social media to convince them for a career path in nursing. The study examined if the use of social media will increase the turnout of people for this education. This thesis also researched, if the use of this promotional medium can help change people’s negative impression about old people’s home, especially for its funny smells and that, senior citizens are not well taken care of there as expected. From the starting theoretical background consisting generalist education in nursing and the trends of social media were discussed in details. Based on the theoretical issued examined, the empirical research is established, collecting data from staff of old people’s homes in five provinces in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Correlational analysis was used to test the sample on the two hypotheses. The positive correlation between social media campaign and the turnout for the generalist education in nursing was identified. The alternative hypothesis was supported because there was a significant relationship of independent variables to turnout of youths for generalist education in nursin
A Two-Phase Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and School Performance among Grades 1- 3 Children in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
No full textPsycho-social factors influencing career decision-making of Grade 12 learners in township secondary schools in Gauteng South Africa
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Faculty of Humanities, School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022Consideration is given to career decision-making as a life-long process that takes individual’s strength and attention over the course of a lifetime. Career decision-making is a developmental process that includes every individual’s duties prior to the beginning of a career and after retirement. Moreover, career decision-making is an important step that requires thorough knowledge of environment and the nation’s economy. In South Africa, many learners in township schools do not have sufficient information concerning career options, and therefore the choices that they make are entrenched in their perception of the perfect occupation, the subjects they select at Grade 10 in secondary school and the influences around them. This could be related to psychological and social factors. In addition, little literature in South Africa’s context is available on career decision-making among learners. Consequently, this study attempted to investigate the psychological and social factors influencing career decisionmaking of Grade 12 learners in township Secondary Schools in Gauteng; South Africa. The study was conducted in the Gauteng East District, one of the educational districts with the greatest concentration of township Secondary Schools.
The main goal of this study was to examine the psycho-social factors that influence career decision-making among Grade 12 learners in township Secondary Schools. The study also looked at the challenges that Grade 12 learners at township Secondary Schools encounter while choosing their careers. Finally, the study sought to develop a structural equation modelling that can explain the relationship between psychological and social factors and career decisionmaking. Within the mixed methods research paradigm, concurrent triangulation research design was adopted. Thus, a mixed methods research methodology in which both quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted. The target population comprised 720 Grade 12 learners at the selected six Township Secondary Schools in Gauteng East District. For the quantitative phase, 204 Grade 12 learners from six distinct township Secondary Schools were obtained using a stratified random sampling technique. A sample size of 23 Grade 12 learners was chosen for the online interviews for the qualitative phase of the study using the purposive sampling method. For the quantitative phase, the research tools such as Locus of Control Scale (LCS), Big Five Personality Inventory (BFPI), Self-Efficacy Scale (SES), Career Interest Questionnaire (CIQ), Parental Influence Questionnaire (PIQ), Peer Influence Questionnaire (PIQ) and Career Decision Making Questionnaire (CDMQ) were used to collect data from learners. For the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from learners. Validity of questionnaires was ensured by Keyser Meyer Oklin test while reliability was ascertained by use of Cronbach's alpha. In addition, the trustworthiness of qualitative data was ensured.
The findings of the study indicated that the personality types such as extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness to experience, significantly influenced career decision-making of the learners. Furthermore, social factors such as peers, teachers, career information services and older siblings influenced career decision-making among Grade 12 learners. Moreover, the findings revealed that learners whose parents had formal education (university, college, high and primary schools) substantially influenced sound career decisionmaking of the learners. The findings also revealed that family related challenges, school related challenges and community related challenges all influenced career decision-making among Grade 12 learners.
This study indicated that Grade 12 learners in township Secondary Schools were most significantly influenced by their career interests. The study also showed that age and gender, as demographic characteristics, had an influence on learners' career decisions. From the structural equation model, of the psychological factors, career interest had the greatest influence on career decision making among Grade 12 learners. The study concluded that personality traits and career interests are important in enhancing effective career decision making and that learners with conscientiousness personality are best placed to make accurate career decisions while learners with neuroticism personality had poor career decision-making skills.
The study further concludes that peers and friends have an influence on Secondary School learners' career decisions, which is an aspect that learners should be aware of while choosing their careers. In conclusion, the psycho-social model for career decision-making is appropriate and fit for demonstrating the structural relationship between psychological, social factors and career decision-making among Grade 12 learners. From the findings, the study proposes an 8-stage Career Decision Making Model which could assist learners in Secondary Schools to make specific career decisions.
The study recommends that the Department of Basic Education should develop skills training and career intervention programs such as career expos to be held in schools to introduce learners to numerous vocations rather than focusing just on content or academics. In order to provide teachers with the social, career development, and educational skills necessary to meet the needs of learners, the Department of Education should train and retrain teachers who specialise in guidance counselling (Life Orientation teachers), and guidance training should be given priority in funding.TL (2024
Ecotourism in Nigeria: The Okomu National Park Context
No full textNigeria is a country rich in biodiversity and natural landscapes hence making her an ideal destination for ecotourism especially in the national parks.There is a death of information with respect to ecotourism in Nigerian National Parks despite Several studies having addressedecotourism dynamics in national parks round the world. This study thus assessed the status and significance of ecotourism in Okomu National Park. Semi-structured questionnaire distributed using the simple random sampling techniquewere used: fifty (50) and one hundred and twenty (120) for visitors and residents respectively totaling one hundred and seventy (170) as well as in-depth interviews.Visitors travel motive were mostly for the purpose of education/research (56%). Visitors’ primary attractions to the park were Forest elephants Loxodontaafricanacyclotis; white throated monkey Cercopi the cuserythrogasterand the 140 feet high tree house. The ecotourism management strategies in the park include the use of code of conduct, conservation education, tour guides and eco-lodges. Tourist influx do not influence trade and businesses in any way as acclaimed by 47.1% of the community respondents.Ecotourism in Okomu National Park is still at an infant stage with respect to visitors’ influx, attractions and socio-economic contribution. Keywords: visitor experience, community-based tourism, management
Nigerian Journal of Banking and Financial Issues (NJBFI): Post-Covid-19 Pandemic And Banking System In Nigeria
No full textThe investigation on the effect of Post COVID-19 pandemic on banking system in Nigeria was carried out by this study. Quarterly time series data spanning from 2018 to 2021 formed the basis of the investigation. The analytical methods employed in this study encompassed the Augmented Dickey-Fuller Unit Root Test, ARDL Bound Test, and various post-estimation tests. The findings of this study revealed that both the number of COVID-19 cases and lockdown status had a significant negative influence on the total assets of banks in the long run. Specifically, COVID-19 cases exhibited a negative yet insignificant effect on liquidity and the loan-to-deposit ratio in the banking sector, while lockdown status significantly impacted bank liquidity. Moreover, lockdown status demonstrated a negative and significant effect on the loan-to-deposit ratio in the banking sector, both in the short and long run. In conclusion, the study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has repercussions on the performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. Consequently, it is recommended that the Central Bank of Nigeria ensures vigilant monitoring of the liquid assets of deposit money banks. Furthermore, there should be regular assessments and reviews of the asset portfolios of deposit money banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria to manage banks\u27 exposure to excessive risk and safeguard depositors\u27 funds, especially during economic downturns. The Central Bank of Nigeria is also advised to introduce a standardized approach to loans, ensuring the effective mobilization of funds to qualified applicants while implementing controls to address loan defaults and maintain the stability of the country\u27s financial system
Teachers’ concerns about integrating information and communication technologies in the classrooms
No full textTeachers in developing countries are facing increasing social and political pressure to use Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to improve the access to and the quality of education available to young people. This is a core part of several government-led initiatives to attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4-quality education. While there is no shortage of ICT, the adoption for actual use in the classroom is often a hurdle for teachers, due to various concerns they harbour. This research study used the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) to assess the stages of concern of 340 Nigerian teachers about adopting and integrating ICT in the classroom. The findings indicated that teachers' concerns were most intense in the awareness, management and information stages respectively, and lowest at the collaborative and consequence levels. Further examination of the results also shows a significant relationship between the stages of concern and teachers' personal attributes like teaching experience, age and the class level they teach. These findings provide practical insights into how to better create effective teacher professional development interventions, to assist teachers in adopting and integrating ICT, to enhance the learning experience of young people within the classroom
Knowledge and Practice of Environmental Management at Selected Ecotourism Destinations in Edo State
No full textThe purposeful activity goaled to maintain and improve the state of an environmental resource affected by human activities is environmental management (EM). EM in ecotourism destinations is essential not only for the conservation of the environmental resources therein but also to maintain a long term environmental quality that aids sustained ecotourists interests/satisfaction; surrounding local communities involvement as well as the environmental image of the destination. This research assessed the view of employees and visitors about EM of Okomu National Park (OKNP) and Ogba Zoo and Nature Park (OZNP) in Edo State; identified the waste disposal and treatment methods as well as the EM standards/tools employed. The primary survey instrument was questionnaire {two hundred and thirty six (236): fifty (50) and one hundred and thirty eight (138) for visitors and forty two (42) and six (6) for employees in OKNP and OZNP respectively}. Questionnaires to the visitors were distributed using the simple random sampling technique while employees were purposively selected. Data analysis includes the use of descriptive (frequency and percentage tables; bar charts) and Chi Square analyses. Most of the respondents have heard about EM at one time or the other – the dominant medium of awareness being radio/television. Majority asserted that every employee (95.2% and 100%) and visitor (96% and 81.9%) should be aware of EM in OKNP and OZNP respectively. Waste generated onsite is disposed by landfill/land treatment (48.5% and 33.3%), incineration/burning (30.3% and 50%), chemical treatment (9.1% and 16.7%) and biological method (6.1% and 0%) in OKNP and OZNP respectively. Waste is not recycled neither is the hazardousness determined at both sites. OKNP employed EM standard/tools as reported by employees include environmental monitoring (54.8%), public environmental report (40.5%), Environmental Management System (35.7%); written environmental policy (31%), eco-labelling (26.2%) while OZNP has not fully delved into the use of any defined standard/tool. The concept of EM is not strange to the respondents as they understand what it means, recognise its need in the sites and admit that it is imperative for all staff and visitors likewise to be conversant with it. It is recommended that an extensive waste management plan should be put in place which focuses on reduce, reuse, recover and recycle. Also, the Zoo should employ the use of EM standards/tools which can aid in identifying, quantifying and evaluating defined impacts of actions taken at the site. Keywords: Environmental Management, Ecotourism, Waste Management Pla
Environmental Attitude, Motivation, and Place Attachment in a Wildlife Park
No full textDespite the significance of motivation in understanding the behavior of tourists, its interconnectedness to environmental attitude and place attachment has been scarcely studied in nature-based tourism destinations, especially outside the western and Anglo western context. This study examined these constructs as individual variables as well as the inter-relationships that exist between them in the context of a wildlife park. Using a convenience sampling technique, 372 visitors were surveyed. It was revealed that visitors displayed more anthropocentric beliefs than ecologically favorable concerns. Their motivations centered on experiencing and appreciating nature, recreation, relaxation, and education which are some of the core goals of the establishment of such areas as wildlife parks. The levels of attachment to the destination were however mild. The results further revealed significant associations between the constructs. The partial mediating role of motivation in the relationship between environmental attitude and place attachment was also reported. Appropriate conclusions were drawn, and managerial implications were discussed
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